3 Strategies You Can Use When You Are Feeling Overwhelmed

Last Update: May 08, 2018

Running an online business is filled with tasks, decisions, and planning, that can become easily overwhelming. Add family obligations, kids, and other “distractions” to the mix, and this feeling can easy become out of hand, and making it impossible to take any constructive action at all

I surely have my moments when it all gets too much, but over the last few years I learned a few strategies, that helped me deal with being overwhelmed and to keep my anxiety under control.

Take a five minute break. Getting yourself out of the situation if possible can free up your mind space, and gives you a chance to reset yourself. During those 5 minutes, I highly suggest that you do not think about work, but rather take the time to practice a walking meditation, take a shower, play with the dog, or do something else that does not have anything to do with your previous activity

Braindump. If you do not do regular braindumps, apply the GTD system - which I highly recommend, practice the art of braindumping whenever you feel overwhelmed. Writing all of your fears, anxieties, and all of the next steps you need to do, down on paper, can free your head, and make space for clarity of thinking. You can choose to priorities your You are the sum of your choices. Do whatever feels right for you. You don't owe anyone any explanations for the way you choose to live your precious years.list of tasks or other items you listed AFTER completing a total braindump

Change of scenery. Getting out of the space that you usually work in, and maybe now associate with all of the overwhelming tasks that have to be completed, can be a great productivity and clarity tool. It does not mean that you have to necessarily leave the house, just take your laptop or pen and paper in a different section of your home than you usually work in. If you are stuck in the office, sit on a different chair - heck I have found the act of sitting on the floor and surrounding myself with my work, instead of my desk a productive tactic.

Question: How do you deal with feeling overwhelmed, maybe it be by the training here on WA, or because of an aspect of your business life?

I am glad that you have a sister who can support you in those times, even if it would be indirectly. Housework can surely be meditating, especially if you focus on the activity, rather than on random thoughts that come your way.
That recliner sounds heavenly! I am going to have to think about getting one, but then I have to fight everyone else in the family to get a turn, lol.

Great post I enjoyed reading it. You have some great ideas I need to try them sometime. I wrote a blog about being overwhelmed if you get a chance take a look at it because I think I might have come up with another niche.

Those are all very good ways to deal with overwhelm. It's an interesting subject, as some people seem to get overwhelmed far more easily than others, so I guess it has to do with whether you are able to control it or not. If you expect too much of yourself, as I often do, then you'll experience overwhelm more easily. I use all three of your suggestions.